Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:18 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:18 p.m.

Local energy companies are urging caution this holiday season with holiday lights and other decorations.

“Electricity is a wonderful thing, but it could also be a dangerous thing. You have to respect it,” said Houma-based Entergy regional manager Henry Gernhauser.

One thing to look for when buying lights is the UL or Underwriter Laboratories sticker that indicates they are safe.

“Most quality lights have a UL sticker on them, which means they were tested by the government to be safe. It's kind of like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” said Joe Ticheli, general manager of the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association.

When using lights from past years, people should examine them closely before putting them up, electric company officials said. Check for empty sockets, frayed or completely damaged wiring and/or broken bulbs.

“We sometimes don't want to throw things away. But when it comes to safety, it's worth the investment. Electricity is not something you should cut corners on with the equipment or materials you are using,” Gernhauser said.

Empty sockets can be particularly hazardous around children, Ticheli said.

“They could stick something in there. They could stick a paper clip in there. Their finger could get shocked,” he said.

Broken bulbs are a problem because a live string of lights with the filament exposed has no barrier or glass casing to protect the electricity running through it. The exposed filament could possibly start a fire or shock you.

“Folks get shocked fooling with these things, or they may have wires that cause a spark and can't get to them before they cause a problem,” Gernhauser said.

Here are some other tips:

- When hanging lights outside, use fiberglass or wooden ladders because they do not conduct electricity. Make sure lights are designated for outdoor use, and keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes. Stay away from overhead power lines and only work with three-wire grounded extension cords.

- Never use flammable decorations near a heat source, and avoid using lights on a metallic tree.

<p>Local energy companies are urging caution this holiday season with holiday lights and other decorations. </p><p>“Electricity is a wonderful thing, but it could also be a dangerous thing. You have to respect it,” said Houma-based Entergy regional manager Henry Gernhauser.</p><p>One thing to look for when buying lights is the UL or Underwriter Laboratories sticker that indicates they are safe.</p><p>“Most quality lights have a UL sticker on them, which means they were tested by the government to be safe. It's kind of like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” said Joe Ticheli, general manager of the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association.</p><p>When using lights from past years, people should examine them closely before putting them up, electric company officials said. Check for empty sockets, frayed or completely damaged wiring and/or broken bulbs.</p><p>“We sometimes don't want to throw things away. But when it comes to safety, it's worth the investment. Electricity is not something you should cut corners on with the equipment or materials you are using,” Gernhauser said.</p><p>Empty sockets can be particularly hazardous around children, Ticheli said.</p><p>“They could stick something in there. They could stick a paper clip in there. Their finger could get shocked,” he said.</p><p>Broken bulbs are a problem because a live string of lights with the filament exposed has no barrier or glass casing to protect the electricity running through it. The exposed filament could possibly start a fire or shock you.</p><p>“Folks get shocked fooling with these things, or they may have wires that cause a spark and can't get to them before they cause a problem,” Gernhauser said.</p><p>Here are some other tips:</p><p>- When hanging lights outside, use fiberglass or wooden ladders because they do not conduct electricity. Make sure lights are designated for outdoor use, and keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes. Stay away from overhead power lines and only work with three-wire grounded extension cords. </p><p>- Never use flammable decorations near a heat source, and avoid using lights on a metallic tree.</p><p>- Keep bulbs from touching branches and avoid heat sources. Other causes of fires are candles, electrical malfunctions and decorative lights.</p><p>- When buying a real tree, make sure it is fresh and green, and put it in a stand with water away from heaters or fireplaces. The stand should be filled with water at all times.</p><p>- Do not overload extension cords or outlets, and place wires where they cannot trip anyone. Running wires under rugs is also not a good idea.</p><p>- Turn off all the lights when away from home or sleeping. </p><p>- Use a timer for the lights.</p><p>- Consider using smaller, cool-burning LED lights, which are more energy efficient than other lights.</p><p>“This is supposed to be a joyous holiday season. We don't want folks to have a tragedy. We want everyone to enjoy it,” Gernhauser said.</p><p>Staff Writer Sable LeFrere can be reached at 985-857-2204 or at sable.lefrere@houmatoday.com.</p>